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Washington Lawmakers Skip Hearings on Controversial Initiatives

1/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Washington state Democratic leaders will not hold hearings on conservative-backed initiatives about parental rights and transgender athletes.
Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen said measures will likely go to voters in November.
Brian Heywood, leader of Let’s Go Washington PAC, criticized decision and claimed 400,000 signatures were disregarded.
Governor Bob Ferguson expressed support for letting voters decide.
The initiatives await certification from the secretary of state before proceeding to the ballot.

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Story summary

Washington state Democratic leaders will not hold hearings on conservative-backed initiatives about parental rights and transgender athletes.
Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen said measures will likely go to voters in November.
Brian Heywood, leader of Let’s Go Washington PAC, criticized decision and claimed 400,000 signatures were disregarded.
Governor Bob Ferguson expressed support for letting voters decide.
The initiatives await certification from the secretary of state before proceeding to the ballot.